HONOLULU — Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will accept Japan Credit Bureau credit cards for online reservations and in-person admission fees starting Nov. 1 for entry beginning Nov. 3. The announcement comes in anticipation of returning visitors from Japan.

On Nov. 2, the JCB card will also be accepted for in-person admission payments. This does not include concessions operating within the preserve.

Expanding acceptable payment forms was a coordinated effort with Gov. David Ige’s office, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mayor Blangiardi’s office and multiple city agencies.

An average of 3,000 visitors each day visited Hanauma Bay prior to the pandemic. Its reopening in Dec. 2020 saw attendance cut in half in an effort to the balance conservation goals of the nature preserve and recreational enjoyment of the public. The effort also resulted in closing the preserve for two days, Monday and Tuesday, instead of just one.

Visitors to the preserve can make online reservations only up to two days in advance by accessing this website.

Entry for Hawaii visitors is 6:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; no entry after 1:30 p.m.

Hawaii residents can enter the nature preserve without a reservation (ID required), 6:45 a.m.-9 a.m. Arrivals after 9 a.m. will require a reservation or walk-in ticket.

All visitors to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve must leave by 4 p.m. The public may call 808-768-6861 with questions.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.